System for assembling a modular spiral chute and associated methods

Abstract

A system for assembling and installing a modular spiral chute includes a base support assembly having a plurality of rear rollers and a slot, where the slot is orientated in the base support assembly to receive a vertically positioned stanchion of the modular spiral chute. The system also includes a removable roller clamp having a front roller and configured to be inserted into the slot to form an aperture in the base support assembly to encircle the stanchion so that when the roller clamp is inserted into the slot the stanchion is rotatably secured vertically within the base support assembly between the plurality of rear rollers and the front roller. In addition, the system includes a caster mounted plate positioned on top of the base support assembly and configured to increase stability of the stanchion when secured within the base support assembly.

That which is claimed is: 
     
       1. A system for assembling and installing a modular spiral chute, the system comprising:
 a base support assembly having a plurality of rear rollers and a slot, wherein the slot is orientated in the base support assembly to receive a vertically positioned stanchion of the modular spiral chute; and 
 a removable roller clamp configured to be inserted into the slot to form an aperture in the base support assembly to encircle the stanchion and to work in conjunction with the plurality of rear rollers to rotatably secure the stanchion vertically within the base support assembly. 
 
     
     
       2. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the slot is formed in a top portion of the base support assembly. 
     
     
       3. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the roller clamp comprises at least one spring that is configured to maintain compression of the plurality of rear rollers to the stanchion. 
     
     
       4. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the roller clamp comprises a front roller so that when the roller clamp is inserted into the slot the stanchion is rotatably secured vertically within the base support assembly between the plurality of rear rollers and the front roller. 
     
     
       5. The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a caster mounted plate positioned on top of the base support assembly and configured to increase stability of the stanchion when secured within the base support assembly. 
     
     
       6. The system of  claim 5 , wherein the caster mounted plate comprises an aperture aligned with the aperture in the base support assembly to encircle the stanchion. 
     
     
       7. The system of  claim 6 , wherein the castor mounted plate comprises two halves that are substantially mirror images of one another. 
     
     
       8. The system of  claim 7 , wherein the caster mounted plate is configured to rotate while the base support assembly remains stationary when the stanchion is rotated. 
     
     
       9. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the base support assembly comprises a plurality of wheels orientated to roll the base along a surface. 
     
     
       10. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the base support assembly comprises a plurality of adjustable leg supports configured to elevate the base support assembly above a surface to prevent from moving. 
     
     
       11. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of rear rollers are orientated to rotate about a vertical axis. 
     
     
       12. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the castor mounted plate comprises a plurality of castors. 
     
     
       13. A system for assembling and installing a modular spiral chute, the system comprising:
 a base support assembly having a plurality of rear rollers and a slot, wherein the slot is orientated in the base support assembly to receive a vertically positioned stanchion of the modular spiral chute; 
 a removable roller clamp having a front roller and configured to be inserted into the slot to form an aperture in the base support assembly to encircle the stanchion so that when the roller clamp is inserted into the slot the stanchion is rotatably secured vertically within the base support assembly between the plurality of rear rollers and the front roller; and 
 a caster mounted plate positioned on top of the base support assembly and configured to increase stability of the stanchion when secured within the base support assembly. 
 
     
     
       14. The system of  claim 13 , wherein the roller clamp comprises at least one spring that is configured to maintain compression of the plurality of rear rollers and the front roller to the stanchion. 
     
     
       15. The system of  claim 13 , wherein the caster mounted plate comprises an aperture aligned with the aperture in the base support assembly to encircle the stanchion. 
     
     
       16. The system of  claim 15 , wherein the caster mounted plate is configured to rotate while the base support assembly remains stationary when the stanchion is rotated. 
     
     
       17. A method of assembling a modular spiral chute, the method comprising:
 providing a base support assembly having a plurality of rear rollers and a slot, wherein the slot is orientated in the base to receive a vertically positioned stanchion of the modular spiral chute; 
 positioning the stanchion within the slot, wherein the stanchion comprises a plurality of apertures for receiving rib assemblies of the spiral chute; 
 securing a removable roller clamp around the stanchion in conjunction with the plurality of rear rollers to rotatably secure the stanchion vertically within the base support assembly; 
 installing a plurality of rib assemblies and linings in a spiral pattern along the stanchion; and 
 rotating the stanchion while secured within the base support assembly in order to install each of the rib assemblies in the spiral pattern along the stanchion. 
 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 17 , further comprising positioning a caster mounted plate on top of the base support assembly and securing the caster mounted plate to the stanchion, wherein the castor mounted plate is configured to increase stability of the stanchion when it is secured within the base support assembly. 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 18 , further comprising maintaining compression of the front roller and the plurality of rear rollers to the stanchion using at least one spring of the removable roller clamp. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 18 , wherein the caster mounted plate is configured to rotate while the base remains stationary when the stanchion is rotated.